Basketball shooting trainer device

ABSTRACT

A basketball shooting trainer device configured to attach to a basketball rim is provided and includes a bracket comprising at least one interior side wall defining a tubular cavity extending longitudinally through the bracket, wherein the tubular cavity has a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the basketball rim, at least one cylindrically-shaped exterior side wall, wherein the exterior side wall has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular cavity. Also included is a flexibly-rigid elongated member attached to the bracket, wherein the elongated member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a base wherein the elongated member extends substantially vertically in a substantially perpendicular direction from a horizontal plane defined by the basketball rim. Further included is a base securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner surface of the base and the exterior wall of the bracket.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 12/760,885, filed on Apr. 15, 2010, by Alan J. Heystek et al., which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/170,844, filed on Apr. 20, 2009, by Alan J. Heystek et al., the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a basketball shooting trainer device, and more particularly, a basketball shooting trainer device that is configured to attach to a basketball rim.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, training devices in an attempt to improve shooting accuracy of athletes in sporting events can include two types of shooting aids. Typically, the first type of shooting aid can deflect the ball away from the goal when it is improperly shot, so that only highly accurate shots score, and the second type shooting aid can provide additional visual targets for a player to aim and shoot at when shooting at the goal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a basketball shooting trainer device configured to attach to a basketball rim is provided and includes a bracket comprising at least one interior side wall defining a tubular cavity extending longitudinally through the bracket, wherein the tubular cavity has a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the basketball rim, at least one cylindrically-shaped exterior side wall, wherein the exterior side wall has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular cavity. Also included is a flexibly-rigid elongated member attached to the bracket, wherein the elongated member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a base wherein the elongated member extends substantially vertically in a substantially perpendicular direction from a horizontal plane defined by the basketball rim. Further included is a base securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner surface of the base and the exterior wall of the bracket.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a basketball shooting trainer device configured to attach to a basketball rim is provided and includes a bracket comprising at least one interior side wall defining a tubular cavity extending longitudinally through the bracket, wherein the tubular cavity has a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the basketball rim, wherein the bracket is configured to removably and adjustably attach to the basketball rim, and at least one cylindrically-shaped exterior side wall, wherein the exterior side wall has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular cavity. Also included is a flexibly-rigid elongated member attached to the bracket, wherein the elongated member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a base wherein the elongated member extends substantially vertically in a substantially perpendicular direction from a horizontal plane defined by the basketball rim, wherein the elongated member is adapted to be in an original position, bend when at least a predetermined force is applied, and return to substantially the original position when the predetermined force is removed. Further included is a base securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner surface of the base and the exterior wall of the bracket. Yet further included is a retaining ring having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the retaining ring surroundingly wraps around the base and the bracket.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a basketball shooting trainer device configured to attach to a basketball rim is provided and includes a bracket comprising at least one interior side wall defining a tubular cavity extending longitudinally through the bracket, wherein the tubular cavity has a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the basketball rim, wherein the interior side wall includes a bracket securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the interior side wall and the basketball rim for securely attaching the bracket to the basketball rim, and at least one cylindrically-shaped exterior side wall, wherein the exterior side wall has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular cavity. Further included is a flexibly-rigid elongated member attached to the bracket, wherein the elongated member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a base wherein the elongated member extends substantially vertically in a substantially perpendicular direction from a horizontal plane defined by the basketball rim. Also included is a base securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner surface of the base and the exterior wall of the bracket. Yet further included is a plurality of retaining ring having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the retaining ring surroundingly wraps around the base and the bracket. The device also includes a first retaining ring securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the outer surface of the base and the inner side of each retaining ring and a second retaining ring securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner side of each retaining ring and the exterior wall of the bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of a basketball shooting trainer device attached to a basketball rim, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an environmental view of a basketball shooting trainer device attached to a basketball rim, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is an environmental perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a side view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3D is an exploded view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is an environmental perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a basketball shooting training device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is an environmental perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5D is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is an environmental perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6D is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is an environmental perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7D is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is an environmental perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is an environmental perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9D is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10C is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10D is an elevational front view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10E is a perspective exploded view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10F is an elevational, side cross-sectional view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a basketball shooting trainer device. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

With respect to FIGS. 1-10F, a basketball shooting trainer device is generally shown at reference identifier 100. The basketball shooting trainer device 100 can be configured to attach to a basketball rim 101 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B, and 10F). The basketball shooting trainer device 100 can include a bracket generally indicated at reference identifier 102, and a flexibly-rigid elongated member 104. The bracket 102 can include at least one interior side wall 106 that defines a tubular cavity 108 extending longitudinally through the bracket 102, (FIGS. 3A-10F). Typically, the tubular cavity 108 can have a diameter approximately (or substantially) equal to a diameter of the basketball rim 101. The flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 attaches to the bracket 102, wherein the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 can extend substantially vertical with respect to the bracket's 102 normal operating position, as described in greater detail herein.

Thus, the basketball shooting trainer device 100 can be securely attached to the basketball rim 101, while the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 extends vertically upwards from the basketball rim 101, according to one embodiment. In such an embodiment, the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 acts as a target for a shooter of a basketball, such that the shooter can shoot the basketball while aiming at the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104. Typically, if the shooter hits the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 with the basketball, the probability of the basketball going through the basketball rim 101 (i.e., making the shot) is substantially greater than the probability of the basketball going through the basketball rim 101 if the basketball does not contact the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104. Therefore, by providing a target (e.g., the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104) that can be more easily viewed or aimed at by a shooter when the shooter is practicing a substantially similar shot from a basketball court (e.g., continuously shooting free throws), as compared to other portions of the basketball rim 101, the shooter can mentally and biomechanically train themselves to shoot the basketball with substantially the same mechanics to increase their shooting accuracy and consistency.

By way of explanation and not limitation, in use, the basketball shooting trainer device 100 can be attached to the basketball rim 101. Generally, the basketball shooting trainer device 100 is mounted substantially in a front-center of the basketball rim 101, such that the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 is a target for the shooter, as described in greater detail herein, when the shooter is practicing a shot substantially in front of the basketball rim 101 (e.g., a free throw shot). It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the basketball shooting trainer device 100 can be attached to other locations of the basketball rim 101, such as, but not limited to, the side of the basketball rim 101, so that the shooter can practice a shot from the side of the basketball rim 101 (e.g., a three point shot from the corner). Thus, the basketball shooting trainer device 100 can be attached to any suitable portion of the basketball rim 101 so as to provide a target for the shooter on the front or near side of the basketball rim 101 with respect to the shooter's position on the basketball court, wherein the shooter is practicing (e.g., taking multiple shots) from substantially the same location on the basketball court.

The flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 can be adapted to be in an original position (e.g., substantially vertical with respect to the bracket's 102 normal operating position), bent when at least a predetermined force is applied, and return to substantially the original position when the predetermined force is not applied or removed. Thus, the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 is flexible enough to bend when the predetermined force is applied (e.g., a basketball contacting the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104), but rigid so that the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 returns to the original position once the predetermined force is not applied, so that the shooter can use the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 for a target again. According to one embodiment, the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 is at least partially made by a material similar to a tape measure. According to alternate embodiments, the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 is at least partially made of a foam material, a rubber tubing material, a drinking straw material, a plastic composite, the like, or a combination thereof

By way of explanation and not limitation, the basketball shooting trainer device 100 can be configured to attach to a five-eighths inch (5/8 in) diameter basketball rim 101, a double basketball rim 101 (e.g., a five-eighths inch (5/8 in) diameter basketball rim 101 having a one-half inch (½ in) basketball rim 101 attached to the underside), a SPAULDING™ basketball rim, a LIFETIME™ basketball rim, the like, or a combination thereof. The basketball shooting trainer device 100 can also be configured to attach to basketball rims 101 having a net hook 109 centered on a front of the basketball rim 101, a net hook 109 off-centered on a front of the basketball rim 101, various shapes of net hooks, such as, but not limited to, a box-shaped net hook or a curvy-shaped net hook, the like, or a combination thereof

Additionally, or alternatively, the interior side wall 106 can be a smooth or continuous surface, or the interior side wall 106 can have one or more raised surfaces and/or notches or slits, such that the interior side wall 106 can substantially conform to the basketball rim 101. When the basketball rim 101 contains a net hook 109, wherein the bracket 102 is attached to the net hook 109, the net hook 109 can enhance the stability of the basketball shooting trainer device 100. The interior side wall 106 can be made of a secondary material that differs from the material used to form the bracket 102, a secondary material can be attached to the interior side wall 106, the like, or a combination thereof, wherein the different or secondary material can be a rubber material such that the interior side wall 106 adequately grips the basketball rim 101.

According to one embodiment, the bracket 102 is configured to be removably attached to the basketball rim 101. Additionally or alternatively, the bracket 102 is configured to be adjustably attached to the basketball rim 101. In an embodiment where the bracket 102 is configured to be removably attached to the basketball rim 101, the bracket 102 is typically adapted to attach to various types of basketball rims 101, such as, but not limited to, basketball rims 101 having different net hook 109 locations, various diameters, additional components attached to the basketball rim 101 (e.g., a plurality of net hooks 109 formed by a single, continuous material extending circumferentially around the basketball rim 101), the like, or a combination thereof. Typically, the bracket 102 is configured to be attached to a basketball rim 101 having a net hook 109 in substantially a front-center position with respect to the basketball rim's 101 normal operating position, a basketball rim 101 having a net hook 109 that is off-center with respect to the basketball rim's 101 operating position, a basketball rim 101 having a net hook 109 that is off-center with respect to the basketball rim's 101 normal operating position, wherein the net hook 109 is formed by a single, continuous material that extends circumferentially around the basketball rim 101 forming a plurality of net hooks 109, the like, or a combination thereof.

The bracket 102 can be removably, adjustably, or a combination thereof connected to the basketball rim 101, such that the diameter of the cavity 108 is variable, according to one embodiment. The bracket 102 can include an attachment device, such as, but not limited to, a nut 110 and bolt 112, wherein the position of the nut 110 along the bolt 112 is altered to vary the diameter of the cavity 108. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the bracket 102 can include additional or alternative components to be removably and/or adjustably attached to the basketball rim 101, and/or vary the diameter of the cavity 108. According to an alternate embodiment, the bracket 102 can be configured to be permanently attached to the basketball rim 101.

It should further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the shape of the tubular cavity 108 extending longitudinally through the bracket 102 is provided for purposes of explanation and not limitation, such that the cavity 108 can be defined to have other suitable shapes, the cavity 108 can extend through the bracket in other suitable directions, the like, or a combination thereof. According to one embodiment, the bracket 102 has a predetermined length, wherein due to the length, the cavity 108 has a curvature shape to conform to a curve along a circumference of the basketball rim 101.

The attachment device can include a first hook and a loop fastener strap 114A and a second hook and loop fastener strap 114B (e.g., VELCRO™) configured to extend circumferentially around the bracket 102, wherein the first hook and loop fastener strap 114A can extend circumferentially around the bracket 102 on an opposite side of the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 as the second hook and loop fastener strap 114B, according to one embodiment. Thus, the first and second hook and loop fastener straps 114A, 114B can dynamically alter a diameter of the cavity 108, such that the diameter of the cavity 108 can be approximately equal to the diameter of the basketball rim 101 and the bracket 102 is adequately attached thereto.

According to one embodiment, the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 is removably attached to the bracket 102. In such an embodiment, the first flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 can be removed and replaced with a new or second flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 if the first flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 is damaged from use. Typically, the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 can be mechanically attached to the bracket 102, such as, but not limited to, a snap-fit connection, a nut and bolt connection, a hook and loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO™), a slide-press fit connection, tape, the like, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 can be permanently attached to the bracket 102, such as, but not limited to, the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 being integrated with the bracket 102, the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 being connected to the bracket 102 by one or more rivet connectors 113, an adhesive connecting the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 to the bracket 102, the like, or a combination thereof

Typically, the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 can have a length of approximately three inches (3 in) to ten inches (10 in). According to one embodiment, the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 can have a length of approximately seven inches (7 in). The flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 can have a length that is adequate to provide a target for the shooter, while not being so long as to get caught by the back side of the basketball rim 101 and/or a net 115 connected to the basketball rim 101. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the basketball shooting trainer device 100 can further include other devices which alter the position of the net 115 so that the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 does not get obstructed by the net 115. By way of explanation and not limitation, such devices can include ties that reposition the net 115 so that the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 can bend backwards through the basketball rim 101 when the predetermined force is applied to the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 without contacting or getting caught in the net 115.

According to one alternate embodiment, the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 can have an archical shape, rather than extending substantially vertical from the bracket 102, such that the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 arches towards the opposite side of the basketball rim 101 to extend over the area where the basketball passes through the basketball rim 101.

According to one embodiment, a length of the bracket 102 can be greater than a distance between two net hooks 109 of the basketball rim 101 when the net hooks 109 are off-centered to the basketball rim's 101 normal operating position. Thus, the bracket 102 can extend around at least a portion of both net hooks 109, which can reduce movement of the basketball shooting trainer device 100 when it is contacted by an external force (e.g., the basketball at least partially contacting the bracket 102).

With respect to an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-3D, the bracket 102 can be configured to attach to the basketball rim 101 in a location that includes a net hook 109 or does not include a net hook 109. The bracket 102 can be formed of a moldable material that can have some flexibility to allow for an altering of the diameter of the cavity 108 based upon the positioning of the nut 110 with respect to the bolt 112.

In regards to an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D, the bracket 102 can have the cavity 108 with a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the basketball rim 101 such that the bracket 102 is press-fitted with the basketball rim 101. The bracket 102 can include one or more apertures 116 that can be used with a portion of the basketball rim 101, an attachment device, or a combination thereof, to adequately secure the bracket 102 to the basketball rim 101. Thus, the one or more apertures 116 can be adapted to receive a hook and loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO™) strap. In such an embodiment, the bracket 102 can be made of a moldable material. Typically, the bracket 102 can have a length, such that the bracket 102 forms a curve that corresponds to an arc of the basketball rim 101. Additionally or alternatively, the bracket 102 can have a length greater than a distance between two net hooks 109, such that the bracket 102 can be configured to attach to the basketball rim 101 in a location that includes at least one net hook 109.

As to an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D, the basketball shooting trainer device 100 can include a bracket 102 that defines the cavity 108 having a diameter that is substantially equal to the basketball rim 101, such that the bracket 102 press-fits to the basketball rim 101. In such an embodiment, the bracket 102 can be made of a moldable material. The bracket 102 can include one or more flanges 118 that can be used to provide one or more surface areas for assisting a user when attaching or removing the bracket 102 to the basketball rim 101. Typically, the bracket 102 can have a length, such that the bracket 102 has a curve that corresponds to an arc of the basketball rim 101. Additionally or alternatively, the bracket 102 can have a length greater than a distance between two net hooks 109, such that the bracket 102 can be configured to attach to the basketball rim 101 in a location that includes at least one net hook 109.

With respect to an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D, the basketball shooting trainer device 100 can include the bracket 102 that defines the cavity 108 having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the basketball rim 101, such that the bracket 102 is press-fitted to the basketball rim 101. The bracket 102 can include flanges 118′ that can be used to provide surface area for assisting a user when the user is attaching or removing the bracket 102 to the basketball rim 101. In such an embodiment, the bracket 102 can be made of a moldable material. Typically the bracket 102 can have a length, such that a bracket 102 has a curvature that corresponds to an arc of the basketball rim 101. Additionally or alternatively, the bracket 102 can have a length greater than a distance between two net hooks 109, such that the bracket 102 can be configured to attach to the basketball rim 101 in a location that includes at least one net hook 109.

In regards to an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D, the basketball shooting trainer device 100 can include the bracket 102 configured to attach to the basketball rim 101, wherein a net hook 109 is substantially centered on a front portion of the basketball rim 101 with respect to the basketball rim's 101 normal operating position. In such an embodiment, the cavity 108 has a net hook area 120 configured to receive the net hook 109 of the basketball rim 101 during attachment of the bracket 102 to the basketball rim 101. Further, the bracket 102 can include one or more flanges 118″, which can be configured to provide surface area, such that a user can utilize the flanges 118″ when attaching or removing the bracket 102 to the basketball rim 101. Typically, the bracket 102 can have a length, such that the bracket 102 has a curve that corresponds to an arc of the basketball rim 101.

As to an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C, the bracket 102 can be placed over the basketball rim 101, and a first hook and loop fastener strap 114A′ can be used to alter a diameter of the cavity 108 of the bracket 102. In such an embodiment, the bracket 102 can be attached to the net 115, the net hook 109 on the basketball rim 101, or a combination thereof, to reduce movement of the bracket 102, when an external force is applied to the bracket 102.

In regards to an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9D, the bracket 102 can be made of a flexibly tubular material that is configured to extend around the basketball rim 101 when the bracket 102 is attached to the basketball rim 101. Thus, the bracket 102 can be made of a moldable material. The first and second hook and loop fastener straps 114A, 114B can be used to dynamically alter a diameter of the cavity 108 to attach the bracket 102 to the basketball rim 101. Typically, the bracket 102 has a longitudinally extending slit 122 that is adapted to fit the bracket 102 over the basketball rim 101, and alter a diameter of the cavity 108, such that the diameter of the cavity 108 is substantially equal to the diameter of the basketball rim 108.

In regards to an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10F, the bracket 102 may be made of a flexibly tubular material that is configured to extend around the basketball rim 101 when the bracket 102 is attached to the basketball rim 101, as disclosed above with respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9D. The basketball rim 101 and the interior side wall 106 that defines the tubular cavity 108 may include hook and loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO™) to strengthen the attachment of the bracket 102 to the basketball rim 101 and also prevent slipping and/or twisting of the bracket 102. Additionally, the exterior side wall of the bracket may include at one or more locations hook and loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO™). The flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 includes a base section 150 that extends substantially perpendicular to the portion of the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 that is substantially vertically aligned. The base section 150 includes a first surface 152 and an opposing second surface 154 that each include an additional hook and loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO™) surface 160 that engagably secures the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 to the bracket 102. To further ensure a secure attachment of the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 to the bracket 102 and the basketball rim 101, the first and second hook and loop fastener straps 114A, 114B can be used to loop around the base section 150 of the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104.

The above-described configuration of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10F provides a user the ability to reverse the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 by simply removing the first and second hook and loop fastener straps 114A, 114B, turning the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 180° about a vertical axis and attaching the second surface 154 of the base section 150 to the bracket 102, then reapplying the first and second hook and loop fastener straps 114A, 114B. Periodically reversing the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 in the manner described above prolongs the life cycle of the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 by preventing gradual bending of the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 due to repeated contact with the basketball during free throw training Optionally, the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 may be attached to the bracket 102 at an inner portion of the basketball rim 101. The flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 may taper in width and/or depth in order to provide resiliency properties that facilitate longer continued use of the basketball shooting trainer device 100. Proximate the base section 150 of the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104, the width of the member 104 may range from approximately one-fourth (¼) an inch to approximately one (1.0) inch, while the depth may range from approximately one-half (½) an inch to approximately two (2.0) inches. The height of the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 may range from approximately three (3.0) inches to approximately ten (10) inches.

Advantageously, the basketball shooting trainer device 100 attaches to the basketball rim 101 so that the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 provides a stationary target for a shooter, such that the probability of the basketball going through the basketball rim 101 is increased when the shooter is able to contact the basketball with the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104 as compared to when the shooter is unable to contact the basketball with the flexibly-rigid elongated member 104. Further, the basketball shooting trainer device 100 typically attaches to a front portion of the basketball rim 101 with respect to the shooter, and thus, muscle memory can be developed to shoot a basketball straight (e.g., in-line with the elongated flexible member 104) at a desired distance, as opposed to a device on another portion of the basketball rim 101 (e.g., a rear portion) that may develop muscle memory for shooting the ball at a greater distance than desired (e.g., the ball contacting a rear portion of the basketball rim 101 or backboard) and missing the shot. Typically, the basketball shooting trainer device 100 is used by the shooter when practicing free-throws, but it should be appreciated that the basketball shooting trainer device 100 can be attached to other portions of the basketball rim 101 so that the shooter can practice other shots, wherein the shooter is substantially shooting from the same place on the basketball court. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the basketball shooting trainer device 100 may include additional or alternative advantages. It should further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the components or elements of the basketball shooting trainer device 100 may be combined in additional or alternative ways not explicitly described herein.

Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A basketball shooting trainer device configured to attach to a basketball rim, the basketball shooting trainer device comprising: a bracket comprising: at least one interior side wall defining a tubular cavity extending longitudinally through the bracket, wherein the tubular cavity has a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the basketball rim; and at least one cylindrically-shaped exterior side wall, wherein the exterior side wall has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular cavity; a flexibly-rigid elongated member attached to the bracket, wherein the elongated member includes, an inner surface, an outer surface, and a base wherein the elongated member extends substantially vertically in a substantially perpendicular direction from a horizontal plane defined by the basketball rim; and a base securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner surface of the base and the exterior wall of the bracket.
 2. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 1, wherein the interior side wall includes a bracket securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the interior side wall and the basketball rim for securely attaching the bracket to the basketball rim.
 3. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 1, further comprising: a retaining ring having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the retaining ring surroundingly wraps around the base and the bracket; a first retaining ring securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the outer surface of the base and the inner side of the retaining ring; and a second retaining ring securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner side of the retaining ring and the exterior wall of the bracket.
 4. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 1, wherein the basketball shooting trainer device comprises a plurality of retaining rings.
 5. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 1, wherein the bracket is approximately three (3) inches to ten (10) inches long.
 6. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 1, wherein the bracket is approximately seven-and-a-half (7.5) inches long.
 7. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 1, wherein the elongated member is approximately five (5) inches to seven (7) inches long, wherein the elongated member is approximately one-fourth (¼) an inch to two (2) inches wide, and wherein the elongated member is approximately one-half (½) an inch to two (2) inches thick.
 8. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 7, wherein the thickness of the elongated member at a top point is less than the thickness of the elongated member at a lower point.
 9. The basketball shooting strainer device of claim 1, wherein the elongated member is adapted to be in an original position, bend when at least a predetermined force is applied, and return to substantially the original position when the predetermined force is removed.
 10. A basketball shooting trainer device configured to attach to a basketball rim, the basketball shooting trainer device comprising: a bracket comprising: at least one interior side wall defining a tubular cavity extending longitudinally through the bracket, wherein the tubular cavity has a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the basketball rim, wherein the bracket is configured to removably and adjustably attach to the basketball rim; and at least one cylindrically-shaped exterior side wall, wherein the exterior side wall has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular cavity; a flexibly-rigid elongated member attached to the bracket, wherein the elongated member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a base wherein the elongated member extends substantially vertically in a substantially perpendicular direction from a horizontal plane defined by the basketball rim, wherein the elongated member is adapted to be in an original position, bend when at least a predetermined force is applied, and return to substantially the original position when the predetermined force is removed; a base securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner surface of the base and the exterior wall of the bracket; and a retaining ring having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the retaining ring surroundingly wraps around the base and the bracket.
 11. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 10, wherein the interior side wall includes a bracket securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the interior side wall and the basketball rim for securely attaching the bracket to the basketball rim.
 12. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 10, further comprising: a first retaining ring securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the outer surface of the base and the inner side of the retaining ring; and a second retaining ring securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner side of the retaining ring and the exterior wall of the bracket.
 13. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 10, wherein the basketball shooting trainer device comprises a plurality of retaining rings.
 14. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 10, wherein the bracket is approximately three (3) inches to ten (10) inches long.
 15. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 10, wherein the bracket is approximately seven-and-a-half (7.5) inches long.
 16. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 10, wherein the elongated member is approximately five (5) inches to seven (7) inches long, wherein the elongated member is approximately one-fourth (¼) an inch to two (2) inches wide, and wherein the elongated member is approximately one-half (½) an inch to two (2) inches thick.
 17. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 16, wherein the thickness of the elongated member at a top point is less than the thickness of the elongated member at a lower point.
 18. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 10, wherein the elongated member is adapted to be in an original position, bend when at least a predetermined force is applied, and return to substantially the original position when the predetermined force is removed.
 19. A basketball shooting trainer device configured to attach to a basketball rim, the basketball shooting trainer device comprising: a bracket comprising: at least one interior side wall defining a tubular cavity extending longitudinally through the bracket, wherein the tubular cavity has a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the basketball rim, wherein the interior side wall includes a bracket securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the interior side wall and the basketball rim for securely attaching the bracket to the basketball rim; and at least one cylindrically-shaped exterior side wall, wherein the exterior side wall has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular cavity; a flexibly-rigid elongated member attached to the bracket, wherein the elongated member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a base wherein the elongated member extends substantially vertically in a substantially perpendicular direction from a horizontal plane defined by the basketball rim; a base securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner surface of the base and the exterior wall of the bracket; a plurality of retaining rings having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the retaining rings surroundingly wraps around the base and the bracket; a first retaining ring securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the outer surface of the base and the inner side of each retaining ring; and a second retaining ring securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner side of each retaining ring and the exterior wall of the bracket.
 20. The basketball shooting trainer device of claim 19, wherein the bracket is approximately seven-and-a-half (7.5) inches long, wherein the elongated member is approximately five (5) inches to seven (7) inches long, wherein the elongated member is approximately one-fourth (¼) an inch to two (2) inches wide, and wherein the elongated member is approximately one-half (½) an inch to two (2) inches thick. 